The Dolphins signed Karlos Dansby to the second-most expensive contract for a traditional linebacker in NFL history two months ago, and expect him to become a leader and bolster its 22nd-ranked defense from a year ago.

But whether those leadership duties include calling the defensive plays – and wearing the holy green helmet sticker – remains to be seen.

“If I’m the every-down backer, I might have the opportunity to call the calls,” Dansby said after Wednesday’s organized team activity. “If not, it really don’t matter. As long as I’m on the field helping us win, that’s all that counts.”

Fellow middle linebacker Channing Crowder called the plays the past two seasons, but head coach Tony Sparano remains non-committal about who will quarterback the Dolphins’ defense. Sparano and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan have yet to give a green helmet sticker to anyone on the defense during OTAs. Crowder sat out of Wednesday’s practice with a foot injury.

I foresee Crowder coming off the field on 3rd downs, so it should be Dansby since you can only have one green dotted helmet on the field at a time. If Crowder is that guy, and he came off on 3rd down, you'd have to replace him with someone else to call plays that isn't already on the field and that just seems like a hassle.

unless Dansby struggles with Nolan's defense, he will be the one with the green dot and the LB that plays on 3rd down as well........the way he was paid to come in and play for the Fins, I just don't see him as not being the guy.

Crowder calls the plays until he is replaced - then it goes to Dansby.

The problem is that only one of them can have the ear piece in their helmet, and Mike Nolan does not coach from the sideline, so there is no way to get the calls from him directly. That said I think Karlos ends up getting the nod.

But to be honest, who cares? It really doesn't make a difference to me. I think this "competition" is completely overblown.

Crowder calls the plays until he is replaced - then it goes to Dansby.

The problem is that only one of them can have the ear piece in their helmet, and Mike Nolan does not coach from the sideline, so there is no way to get the calls from him directly. That said I think Karlos ends up getting the nod.

But to be honest, who cares? It really doesn't make a difference to me. I think this "competition" is completely overblown.

I meant replaced as the starter - not replaced on the field. I should have been more clear - my fault. In other words, Crowder will get the mike (in my opinion) until he is no longer the starter, in which case it would go to the next veteran ILB - Dansby.

I don't necessarily agree with that actually. It may be a moot argument, though, esp. if Crowder starts the season on PUP like Omar Kelly suggested. I happen to doubt that - don't think the foot injury is that bad - but I've been wrong before. If Crowder does go on PUP, it will obviously be Dansby.